February 28, 2011

Celebrity Cruises expands premium culinary offerings

Miami - (February 25, 2011 ) - The dining experience has always been central to a Celebrity Cruises vacation, and the line has proven it once again with its latest culinary introductions: an authentic, world-class high tea experience called "Champagne High Tea," and industry-first premium kosher meals.

"We know how precious consumers' vacation time is, and we're committed to offering an exceptional dining experience to make those rare vacations even more special," said Celebrity's Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden. "Our Champagne High Tea is designed in the tradition of the most highly regarded afternoon tea experiences in the world."

Celebrity's Champagne High Tea takes place once on every seven-night sailing, and at least twice on an eight-night or longer cruise. Held in Celebrity's highly acclaimed, elegant specialty restaurants, amidst live music performed by a string quartet, the event's delectable selections include premium Forte' teas; Lavazza coffees, including espressos, lattes and cappuccino; savory sandwiches and desserts - including pastries, scones, truffles and pate de fruit - all served on Wedgewood china and in Riedel Crystal.

Celebrity's Champagne High Tea cover charge of $25 per person - an exceptional value when compared with land-based high tea experiences - includes all culinary selections and a glass of champagne. Reservations for Celebrity's Champagne High Tea can be made onboard by dialing the ship's "dining reservation" number. The experience - in addition to the line's longtime, complimentary tea service in the main dining room - is offered across the Celebrity fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, the line's megayacht sailing year-round in the Galapagos Islands.

All selections are Glatt Kosher certified and made from scratch in kosher kitchens under the strict supervision of the O.U. and USDA. Celebrity's premium kosher meals are available for a fee, and the line's more limited, complimentary kosher selections will continue to be offered.

Vacationers interested in kosher meals are asked to notify Celebrity of their interest 60 days in advance of departure. Guests participating in the premium kosher program then can make their specific menu selections for each day onboard, 24 hours in advance of dining.

Guests with bookings on any Celebrity vacation are invited to submit requests for kosher meals or any special dietary needs in advance through their travel agent.

Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of the world's top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity's fleet currently consists of 10 ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012. For more information, contact a Five Star Agent at Cruising2Europe.com #1-800-738-8837.